NCR Plus bubble implementation now smooth sailing after initial traffic snarl —DILG

The implementation of new restrictions around the National Capital Region (NCR) Plus bubble has improved after initially snarling traffic at checkpoints in affected areas, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Thursday.

Interviewed on GTV’s Balitanghali, Undersecretary Epimaco Densing III said that they have already addressed issues and movement restriction is now only imposed at the borders of the NCR Plus and the provinces outside the bubble.

“Sa ngayon po medyo nakapaga-adjust na sa traffic 'yung mga probinsya. Nagkaroon na rin ng curfew na 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Naka-adjust na rin ho ngayon. Mukhang smooth sailing ho tayo,” he said.

(Now, the provinces have already adjusted to the traffic. They already imposed curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. We have also adjusted already. It seems we’re smooth sailing.)

At the Laging Handa briefing, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Police Brigadier General Ildebrandi Usana said movement within the bubble is no longer necessary.

“Na-realize na rin po ng ating kapulisan na hindi po kailangan may restriction sa movement ng ating mamamayan whether essential o non-essential as long as  they are within the bubble,” he said.

(Our police force have realized that they do not need to restrict the movement of the people whether essential or non-essential as long as they are within the bubble.)

On Tuesday, PNP officer-in-charge Police Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar said motorists will no longer undergo inspection for movement restriction at checkpoints within NCR Plus.

He  made the clarification amid the confusion that marked the first day of the travel restrictions covering Metro Manila, Laguna, Bulacan, Cavite and Rizal—areas that comprise the bubble.

From March 15 to 22, Usana said PNP recorded 27,513 violations of health protocols, curfew, and liquor ban.

At least 7, 060 people were arrested. Of which, 7,023 were already released. At least 10,562 were  simply fined, while 8,682 only received a warning, according to Usana. -Joviland Rita/MDM, GMA News